Susie J. – June 12, 2011
Scripture:
Philippians 2: 12-13 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Observation:
Paul is exhorting and encouraging the church that God is working in them. This is how they have been able to live the way they have been living.
Application:
How important it is for us to be just as real in our faith while we are out in the world or at home as when we are at church! We hear this all through our growth, but getting it down seems a daunting task sometimes. The big things like not swearing, stealing or even dressing modestly are easier to do than the hidden areas of our hearts (lying to myself about who I really am...justifying why I got angry and blasted someone) when it comes to loving others and not judging, accepting people and letting God change them if there is change needed according to Him, not me.
I have been trying in my own will to do all the right things, then feeling defeated when I fail. V13 gives me hope and understanding about my will. Yes it is mine, but God is working in me to will and to act according to His good purpose. It is Him who will strengthen me us use my will to do what is right.
When I pray and ask Him to guide my will, I am confident He will do the work in me so I can do the work for Him.
Prayer:
God, thank You that You accept me and then change me into who You want me to be. That is my heart, and I ask You to continue to do a work in me that I will desire to do Your good purpose. Amen.
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